Booming bass and driving beats – the fitness segment relies on music as background music for the work-out. The goal is clearly defined: to agonize in order to burn calories and lift weights. The realization that music can drive and motivate is not really new. On the contrary, it has been known for a long time what music can do. Using a combination of sports and music for more fitness is by no means wrong. After all, even the Federal Statistical Office now assumes that every second adult in Germany is too fat. Overweight is and remains a perennial problem. The question arises whether music can do more – or whether its positive effect on health has already been exhausted?
Music therapy
With the targeted use of music, be it instrumental music, singing or other forms of musical performance, the mental, physical and spiritual health should be supported, promoted, maintained and at best completely restored. Music can do more! In recent years, medicine has come to realize that music is one of those instruments that can be used to support treatments and eliminate problems. Especially in connection with stress or sleep problems music shows its effectiveness. In the meantime, doctors have explicitly dealt with the effect of music on health. What effect can music have in detail? Many patients and consumers underestimate the possibilities, which are already offered to them at home. Because for sounds to have their positive effect, it sometimes doesn’t take much at all.
The effect of music on our blood pressure
When it comes to the topic of music and health, an anecdote almost always pops out of the drawer: The song “Stayin’ alive” by the band Bee Gees is considered perfect for cardiopulmonary resuscitation – the so-called cardiac massage. Corresponding reports were also to be found in the past in specialist media of the rescue services. The bottom line: music can save lives. Background: The beat of the piece of music matches the recommended frequency of cardiac massage. But music can also have an effect on human blood pressure. Medical experts have found in the past that music also changes vital parameters. Among the findings is a reduction in heart rate as well as blood pressure. The influence of music on the autonomic nervous system is held responsible for this effect. In this way, music also indirectly causes an improvement in blood pressure. How pronounced this effect is depends on the music. According to the German Hypertension League, for example:
- Bach
- Mozart
- Handel
- Corelli
- Albinoni and
- Tartini
Able to achieve a significant reduction in blood pressure. In studies, subjects thus achieved a reduction that was 7.5 to just under 5 mmHg. In some cases, this already makes the difference between a high-normal or too high blood pressure. Health and music seem to have a great connection here. But: lowering blood pressure levels cannot be a substitute for more exercise and avoiding risk factors. In fact, medical studies have also shown that after the music fades away, the values increase again. Nevertheless, medicine is slowly changing its view of music – in part because of such findings.
Sleep improvements through music
Almost everyone knows this problem: The stress from the office is taken home – and moves as mental ballast with in bed. As a result, it is very difficult to fall asleep and there is no question of a restful sleep. What affects many employees only now and then becomes a “continuous loop” for some of those affected. In the evening it is difficult to get some rest. And nights are spent lying awake – also by looking at the clock and counting the minutes. But stress is only one reason why more and more people suffer from problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night. In part, this can also be traced back to incorrect sleep rituals. Until shortly before bedtime, the TV stays on or the tablet moves into the bedroom with us – two mistakes. The blue light from the screen keeps you awake. Instead, (those who can’t do without a background noise) can turn to music. Which sounds are particularly suitable for falling asleep? Experts recommend rather unstructured rhythms here. Should be avoided listening to:
- Metal or rock
- Loud music
- Current chart music.
Anything that gets the circulation going or encourages you to sing along, of course, has a counterproductive effect in this context. And also in terms of volume, less is rather more when falling asleep. Natural sounds – such as those from the rainforest or the songs of whales – have proven their worth. Meditation music or Indian sounds are also practical for falling asleep. Ultimately, however, the choice of music is a very individual matter. What is heard is what soothes and stimulates falling asleep. And this, of course, can be many things.
Other positive effects of music
A hearing test or audiometry is used to diagnose diseases of the hearing organs. Typical fields of application are an incipient hearing loss but also hearing noises such as tinnitus. Music offers a wide range of useful “applications”. In the past, for example, scientists have discovered that special sounds can be used to suppress annoying noises in the ears, i.e. tinnitus. Used in a targeted manner, patients can be helped with the right sounds. It is also known that music (if it is the right music) can reduce stress. Classical music in particular has proven its worth in this context. When it comes to lightening the mood and motivating, Latin sound – such as:
- Salsa
- Merengue
can be set. This can bridge lows. Against anger and frustration can sometimes help a little harder sounds – keyword metal or electro. However, in the context of therapies, the latter two directions do not play a major role.
